Program Overview

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Immigration Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The graduate certificate program in immigration studies provides students with a holistic understanding of the historical, current, and long-term causes and consequences of international migration, as well as relevant professional and research training opportunities. The objective of the certificate program is to offer traditional academic training through coursework, research, and the practical experience of working with local immigrant and refugee communities.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The program requires 15 credit hours. All students are required to take one core course, three approved elective courses on immigration, and three credit hours of a culminating experience (either an internship or a research project). Students are to contact the school for a list of approved courses.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Application materials:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement outlining educational and professional goals
  • Current curriculum vitae or resume
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Session A/C, In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Final

Career Opportunities

The demand in the job market is high for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate, and interpret large amounts of data on human thought and behavior. Graduates are prepared for future study in graduate and professional schools or for careers as immigration practitioners and advocates in local and federal government agencies, and private and public institutions that serve immigrant and refugee communities. Career opportunities include:

• Acting as legal advocates in international cases
• Analyzing and proposing policies
• Conducting postgraduate academic research
• Consulting for private and public organizations
• Directing nonprofit organizations
• Directing programs in the private or public sector

Program Structure

Certificate students may choose to specialize in humanities, Mexican and Latino immigrants in the U.S., or social sciences. Given the nature of the immigration courses offered at ASU and the preponderance of Latino immigrant communities in the Phoenix area, the program emphasizes Latino immigration. However, students have the opportunity to take broader courses focusing on global migration and other immigrant groups, and work with local Asian or Southeast Asian immigrants and refugee communities. For students currently enrolled in an ASU graduate degree program, applicable certificate courses may count toward their degree program with the approval and consent of the degree-granting program. For certificate students who are later admitted to an ASU graduate degree program, up to 12 credit hours from the certificate program may count toward their doctoral degree, or up to 12 credit hours may count toward their master's degree, with the approval and consent of the degree-granting program. All requirements for the certificate program should be completed within three years, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"). Students who require more time to finish the program, because of their part-time status or lack of desirable or available courses, must obtain approval from the executive committee.